Local Food Fellowships- Monterey, VA

Hours and Compensation: Allegheny Mountain School is seeking seven to nine inspiring individuals to participate in the fourth cohort of our 18 month fully-funded fellowship program.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2013

Organization Overview

Allegheny Mountain School (AMS) was founded in 2011 as a not-for-profit experiential fellowship program designed to serve communities in developing a more secure food system. The fiscal agent for AMS is The Highland Center (THC), a non-profit organization located in Monterey, Virginia.

Our intention at AMS is to assemble a cohort of highly curious, hardworking individuals, with complementary skills and experiences, in order to create a cohesive and cooperative team for living, working and studying.

Our goal is to build skills to help communities create a vibrant and accessible local food economy.

Description

AMS is an intensive, hands-on, cooperative, experiential learning, two-phase program, designed to teach others to grow and prepare their own food, and to understand the nutritional benefits of eating seasonally. AMS Fellows work on local food projects as community builders and leaders.

In Phase I (April 27 – November 1, 2014), AMS Fellows live in Highland County, Virginia. They study sustainable food production, whole foods management and preparation, wellness and nutrition, land stewardship, and community development to become ambassadors for a healthier food culture.

In Phase II (January 1st through December 31st, 2015), AMS Senior Fellows work in the service of Partner Organizations throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Highlands of Virginia. AMS Fellows are focused on activities such as: building community gardens, developing school gardens and site based curriculum, advocating sustainable land use, teaching nutrition and cooking for a healthy lifestyle. The cohort meets regularly for Leadership Development, as they join and are supported by the entire AMS Fellowship network in their endeavors.

AMS Fellows are provided room and board during Phase I and there are no program fees (other than to apply). AMS provides basic kitchen staples and the Fellows grow much of their own food. At the end of the six months, AMS Fellows receive a $1,000 stipend for successful completion of this portion of the program.

During Phase II, Fellows receive a $1,250 monthly stipend for their work for the duration of 12 months and are expected to help build capacity in our Partner Organizations as they share and teach the skills they have learned during their first six months in the program.

How to Apply

Applications are available on our website, www.alleghenymountainschool.org.